The inauguration of the Arche in 1989, the bicentennial year of the French Revolution, brought a partial end to consultations on the completion of the perspective between the Louvre and Saint-Germain-en-Laye, with La Défense as its focal point. It was in this context that Johan Otto von Spreckelsen won the competition for the Tête Défense in 1983. His project for an “open cube” like “a window on the world,” inspired by the church in Esberg that he designed in 1969, won unanimous approval.

The simplicity of the Grande Arche is matched only by the complexity of its structure, made of prestressed beams. The building is therefore one of the most difficult construction projects, given the constraints of the subsoil and the dimensions of the monument—a cube with sides measuring 100 meters—not to mention its glass cladding and reinforced concrete structure. Spreckelsen resigned from his position in 1986, even before the building was completed. The Grande Arche was finished in 1989 under the supervision of Paul Andreu. The monument is paradoxically discreet. Not presented from the front, it is as visible as it is legible. A functional work, the Grande Arche has been transformed into a public and private office building.

The 2017 renovation of the Grande Arche includes:

• The redevelopment and modernization of workspaces on the south side (currently occupied by the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Energy and the Ministry of Housing, Territorial Equality, and Rural Affairs)
• The renovation of the facades and panoramic elevators, allowing the 35th floor to be reopened to the public
• The exterior at the top of the Arche (belvedere). On this occasion, a walkway called “Between Heaven and Earth” was created at this same level and made accessible to the public.

The interior renovation includes amphitheaters, the reorganization of work areas, the redevelopment of parking lots, etc.

The exterior renovation includes changing the interior openings on the facade, replacing the marble, etc.

Born in Viborg, Denmark, Johan Otto von Spreckelsen (1929-1987) founded his agency in 1958. Internationally renowned, he is particularly appreciated in his home country for the four places of worship he built between 1969 and 1982. The Catholic church in Esbjerg resembles the silhouette of the Grande Arche, a project that made him famous in France. However, the architect was forced to resign from his position in July 1986—he died a year later—and was replaced by Paul Andreu, who was assisted by François Deslaugiers and Peter Rice.